E3 2015: 7 major announcements by Microsoft

Microsoft made some major announcements at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, known as the E3, press event. The company revealed information related to features and partnerships around the Xbox One and related games, along with the nearing launch of its much awaited flagship exclusive game Halo 5: Guardians. The company also unveiled a new XBox One controller for the gaming enthusiasts.

Here we list down 7 key announcements made by Microsoft at the E3 2015.

1. XBox One backward compatibility

Back in 2013, when Microsoft introduced the Xbox One, the company received much flak by users for not making it backward compatible with older games. The company, however, has worked on it and announced that it is finally bringing backward-compatibility to let users play Xbox 360 games on the Xbox One.

Around the end of the year, the company will let out around 100 last-generation Xbox titles playable on the One. In addition to that, those who already own the 360 games will not be charged for playing them on the Xbox One.

Microsoft unveiled a new Elite wireless controller that is a customizable version of the standard Xbox gamepad. Users will be able to re-map controls or even swap out directional pad on this new controller. It works on Windows 10 and Xbox One.

3. Halo 5: Guardians coming on October 27!

The much awaited and talked flagship exclusive game Halo 5: Guardians is finally coming in October this year. The company showed off the game at E3 last year. This year, however, Microsoft gave a better look at the game's features like co-operative combat mode, introduced a multiplayer mode called ‘Warzone', and showed off its cinematic graphics.

To the gamer's delight, Microsoft introduced a new program called the Xbox Game Preview at the E3, 2015. This will allow Xbox One users to get access to games that have not yet been released and are still in development. Some of the titles that will first appear in the program include DayZ, The Long Dark, and more.

5: Gears 4 finally coming!

Microsoft is finally launching the Gears of War 4, but not very soon. The company has slated the launch of the Gears 4 around the holiday season of 2016. The company however has unveiled an "ultimate" edition in beta.

Microsoft has announced to launch a Minecraft version for the HoloLens augmented reality headset that is currently under development. It will use voice and gesture commands to build virtual world which will appear to be real.

7. New titles for gamers:

Apart from the Halo and the Gears of War, Microsoft announced a handful of other new game titles which included of ReCore from the creators of Mega Man (due for a spring 2016 release), Forza Motorsport 6 (launching on September 5), Rise of the Tomb Raider (expected this winter), Ion from the creators of DayZ, Fable Legends (launch around holiday 2015), Fallout 4 and more.